Autumn on Lake Superior

A few weeks ago, I met RJNJ for lunch downtown. As I had arrived early, I decided to grab my camera and take a stroll on the Lake Walk. I wasn't disappointed. It was a glorious day...one of those that reminds you of the simple pleasures in life. I'll let the photos speak for themselves...

Autumn Whispers

Autumn in the north is a wondrous time. Russet, gold, and auburn colors abound. Pumpkins, mushrooms, and gourds are plentiful. The breeze crisply blows through the tiring leaves and whispers ever-so-slightly "Rest is coming." The whispers grow until, yes, the leaves give way to the slumbering winter and new whispers fill our ears. Enjoy, my friends, these visual whispers that have greeted me the past few weeks...

FROM THE TREETOPS...

TO THE FOREST FLOOR...

  

  

 

TO THE BARK, LEAVES, AND SUN...

  

 
  

THE GLORIOUS VOICES OF AUTUMN ARE SPEAKING...

Da Boys!, B-day Surprises

"DA BOYS"

"Da Boys" were up last weekend to visit RJNJ. Once or twice a year, they get together to see one of their favorite comedians. This time it was Rodney Carrington. Here is the crew...RJNJ, his uncle Ken, his friend Randy L., and his father Ron. The short, furry one is Tanner (also known as T-DOG).

NEW CHANDELIER

My father-in-law, Ron, generously replaced the old light fixture (first photo) in our entryway with this beautiful tole hydrangea chandelier (second photo). I bought the chandelier from The Plum Tree Antiques in McDonough, GA, way back in July. I saw the fixture posted on their website and emailed the owner, Cindy, to see if was available. It was and she agreed to ship it to me. Check out her blog for great items in her newly opened "Christmas Room".

 

BIRTHDAY SURPRISE!

I was surprised to receive a package at work a few weeks back. I wasn't expecting anything and I thought maybe it was a textbook or equipment of some sort. Boy, was I wrong! It was a sweet, generous birthday gift from my brother, Randy! It was a whole set of Lemongrass Spa products...Coconut Lime Vanilla scent. Thanks, Rand! 

MORE BIRTHDAY KINDNESS

I also received the tall lamp in the photo below from my parents as a birthday gift. It shines on whatever artwork you place in it. In the frame is one of my favorite photos. It is of my grandma Maggie when she was on her honeymoon. Paired with a reading lamp with the same bronze finish and the centerpiece from Jerod & Angie's wedding, the guest room is ready for company!

I received lots of other birthday surprises in the form of gifts, cards, and phone calls. I was able to purchase a second lamp to match the one above...it's on the other nightstand. Thank you to everyone! Another favorite gift was from RJNJ...a whole day of garage sale-ing and estate sale-ing together! Thanks, honey! :) It was so much fun!!!!

QUESTION OF THE DAY

I find that junking in its various forms provides lots of ways to bond with family. For example, I am able to share various aspects of junking and flea marketing with my spouse, parents, in-laws, grandparents, and siblings. I know others who get their kids involved in the fun.

Do any of your family relationships benefit from your interest in junking, flea markets, antiquing, and/or garage sales? If so, which relationships (kids, spouses, grandparents, etc.)? In what way do you/they benefit?

Junking Weekend

You know, I don't know where the time goes! The end of 2008 is quickly arriving. The spring, the summer, and now the fall...slipping by without so much as a good-bye note. For we northern folk, that means saying "au revoir" to one of my favorite pastimes...garage sales. That's where I found my good, but somewhat light (compared to finds of the past several weeks) haul this weekend. Smaller load, but still some great finds...

THE FINDS

This cabinet is super-clean and in great condition! See those colored blobs...toucan stickers...I've already started to remove them. A little "Goo Gone" and good as new!

A great tilt-top table and a small greenhouse...

These numbers and the stand I picked up at a garage sale for a business that was closing...

Oops! My mistake...these items are from the one estate sale this weekend. I absolutely adore this stool. I picked up some ideas for the clipboards from a book I saw at Michael's called "Photo Decor" by Donna Downey (this book is on my wish list, everyone! Hint! Hint!).

All of these items are from the free, yes FREE!, boxes at garage sales! Hello! I thought about making some mini version of that chandelier from the Junk Bonanza. Margo has some great shots of several chandeliers on her "Day 2, At the Junk Bonanza" post.

Aren't the mini flower pots just adorable? The industrial napkin holder is pretty darn cool, too. The tall box in the back is a mirrored display case with 4 glass shelves. It has a great brass-framed glass door as well.

Last, but not least, my favorite item of the day! This green garden gate. It expands (as shown below) or closes into a narrow size. And it is heavy duty! I found it at a huge sale that was raising money for a family in need.

THE QUESTION OF THE DAY

Now, I stated above that I had a plan for several of the items in mind. Other items, I'm not quite sure yet. So, my question is...

What influences what you buy? 

• Do you buy things with a goal, purpose, or intention in mind? 
• Do you buy things that you feel have potential even if unsure what will be done with them? 
• Do you only buy things that have significant value? 
• Do you buy things to add to a collection?
• If you are a vendor, do you buy things that you know will sell well?